Entry Word: motif

Function: noun

Meaning: 1 a major object of interest or concern (as in a discussion or artistic composition) <the motif of mute figures standing in lonely isolation is a recurrent one in the artistʼs works> — see matter 1
2 a unit of decoration that is repeated all over something (as a fabric) <the fabric for the upholstery features a scallop shell motif> — see pattern 1